The human genome

• The human genome is the complete set of DNA found in an organism
• Studying the human genome is important for medicine
• The human genome enables us to:

  • Search for genes linked to different types of disease
  • Understand inherited disorders and their treatment
  • Trace human migration patterns from the past
• Scientists search for disease-associated genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which contribute to approximately 10% of all inherited breast cancer cases
• Scientists use pedigree analysis, similar to a family tree diagram, to show the inheritance pattern of diseases like breast cancer
• By studying families with inherited breast cancer, scientists can identify differences in DNA of affected and unaffected individuals to detect the presence of genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2